Botanero Latino Colombian & International Cuisine

Definitely one of those places you don’t want to judge by its cover. The interior is a cute restaurant/​bar/​pool table mix. And the Columbian chef is also your waiter and bartender. He cooks all the food from scratch so it does take a while (took us almost 45 minutes to get our food) so don’t go expecting fast food service. But know that the wait is totally worth it! The food is nothing short of fresh, authentic, made to order South American/​Latin American entrees. We ordered chips and salsa and I swear he fried the chips right then because they were so fresh and homemade tasting. I was so impressed by the food that I am thinking of catering dinner from him when the whole family is in town. Definitely worth checking out. I will be back again.

I had to get a few substitutions as they were out of ingredients by the end of the day. They meal was average.

This is the place to go for great, authentic Latino food. The pavellon (shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains) is spectacular and what I think my Venezuelan grandmother would have fed me. It’s not much to look at but when the food is this good, some things can be overlooked.

Central Iowa’s biggest secret! This place should have lines out of the door day and night, but because it isn’t on Duff or on Lincoln Way west of Duff most don’t know about it. I’ve driven by it and was curious. Finally checked it out and Oh. My. Holy. Guacamole.
This ain’t no taco blah blah blah, this is a real Colombian guy running his little bar that happens to sell high quality legit international cuisine. It isn’t cheap, but it’s good and filling. You’re paying for quality and wonderful portions. French fries are also hand cut, and time and seasoning are put into every single ingredient.
This guy has been around the block. The food doesn’t come out in 5 minutes, but oh is it worth the wait!
This is the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life, and I’ve lived in Houston and D.C. — I know quality food and this is world class. Hidden gem that all of central Iowa is missing out on!!!